When someone says that they will pray for me, no matter the situation, I just tell them thank you and leave it at that. I think it's more of a comfort thing that helps them.

"That would be lovely. thank you" Anything else seems ungracious. You don't have yo buy into it.

"Thanks, I'll take all the good luck I can get."

I usually just say thank you. It's important for them to say it (and some of them might actually do it!), and it's not going to hurt you. Good luck with your surgery, but I won't be praying.

I usually roll my eyes a bit and say "Thanks...I'm not a bit religious." They really do mean well...and I'd hate to insult someone who has such good intentions. I just don't want them to think I really value that junk.

I like to say don't pray for me, pray to me.

"Don't waste your time" or "whatever" is my usual response.

For casual strangers says thanks and be done with it. It's effective a polite throw away anyway like "bless you.". I just can't see anyway that anything else has any positive result with strangers.

For someone closer it may be a worthwhile discussion, acknowledging their intent but voicing your concerns.

Depends on who is asserting the pray for you thing. . . A common (borrowed) response is "Ok then, I'll think for you."

Usually I'll answer with a "No thanks, I'm not a superstitionalist and you really shouldn't waste your time evoking magic on my behalf. I will then usually go on to site this study.

Extract it from this video. Really worth the watch.

OMFG, I had this happen TODAY and posted in the silly group about two minutes ago!

I just said I'm a mildly antagonist atheist then pulled a Sir Robin from Holy Grail.

Thank god I run faster than 80 year old prayer warriors!

"It's a free country" said with a shrug.

"Thanks, and I'll put my faith in my doctors and care givers. That way we're covering all the bases."

If they question your faith in God, you can reply that when God gets a medical degree, you'll consider consulting God about your recovery.

Or... "OK... It's your time"

I say... "If you like" ?

Depends. Recently a family member was gravely ill and when people offered prayers for me and the family member I said thank you. The wishes were good. Not the occasion for a God debate. If the prayer for me is about my non belief, I let rip at the condesension. Hope your health improves. My expressed hope is as impotent as prayer bit maybe it might lift your mood a little.